Saudi-Led Airstrikes in Yemen Target Houthis, Al-Qaeda

Villagers scour rubble for belongings after a Saudi airstrike. Courtesy of Wikimedia.

Saudi-led forces conducted a series of airstrikes in Yemen aimed against both Al-Qaeda and Houthi rebel forces on March 13th. The first wave of airstrikes took place in the southern port city of Aden, killing 17 Al-Qaeda fighters and wounding at least 20 others, according to Al-Jazeera. The strikes specifically targeted the Al-Mansoura district in Aden, which has often been used as a base for Al-Qaeda fighters.

Another round of air raids took place in  the northwestern province of Haja, killing 41 and wounding 75. The Times of Oman noted that strikes hit an outdoor market, and the civilians make up the majority of the casualties.. The Saudi-led coalition has reportedly begun an investigation into Tuesday’s strikes in response to the reports of mass civilian casualties.

The coalition of states responsible for these strikes, led by the Saudi’s, aims to fight Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis, a Shia group with strongholds in north-west Yemen, control large portions of the country, including the Yemeni capital of Sana’a.

The Saudis and its coalition began the war against the Houthis last year in order to protect and now restore the Yemeni government to power in the country. The military effort began amidst reports that the Saudi’s regional rival, Iran, had begun funding and supporting the Houthi rebels.